Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota and Zipaquira, home to salt mines and the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle and the unique and modern Medellin. Leaving Bogota, you will have the opportunity to explore Villa the Leyva and go back to colonial times. You’ll continue to Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle, where the scenery is every bit as good as the coffee and, together, form an unforgettable experience. And if relaxing with a coffee in the charming main square gets too much for you, the following destination is Medellin, home to some of the most beautiful chirstmas lights. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - December 15. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hostel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2 - December 16. Bogota - Bike Tour
This tour allows you to discover the colorful history and culture of la Candelaria neighborhood, located in the historic center of Bogota. The tour is adjustable to suit various weather conditions and preferences. It enables you to visit the city in a more fun way, allowing a closer interaction between the visitor and Bogota. The tour starts at 10:30am and lasts for 3 to 5 hours, passing by the Plaza del Chorro, the Botero museum, the National Museum, Plaza Bolivar, local market plaza, central cemetery, Egipto Neighborhood, the Colombian National University, the Gabriel Garcia Marquez cultural center, the Bullfighting Stadium, when available, and many other interest sites. It is very flexible, so if you have suggestions feel free to mention them to the guide. Meals: B.
Day 3 - December 17. Bogota – Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Departure towards Zipaquirá to visit to the salt mines from where the monumental Cathedral was excavated. This unique structure is almost 400ft deep and it occupies an area of around 8000m², with four sections, each one 300ft long and 42ft wide. It presents 12, 30ft high impressive salt columns that support the structure. In the first tract of the underground journey, you will find the XIV Stations of the Via Cruxis, each designed by a local artist. Subsequently, a 175 meter long ramp descending to the last 13 meters towards the balconies on the cameras and the church choir. The final tract leads to the center of the Cathedral where we find the three monumental cameras and the 16m tall cross. Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 4 - December 18. Bogota - Villa de Leyva
At the chosen time transfer to the bus terminal for your trip to Villade Leyva. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel (bus fare not included). Meals: B.
Day 5 - December 19. Villa de Leyva. Rapel in El Hoyo
The activity takes aproximatelly 5 hours. We leave Villa de Leyva heading towards La Romera. A hole in the ground boyacense of more than 237 meters deep, considered the deepest of Colombia and the only one of this type in South America (published so far). The goal is to rappel down to the bottom up, enter the cave and explore the different formations of rocks, minerals and bat species that remain within this gift of nature. Meals: B.
Day 6 - December 20. Villa de Leyva. La Periquera Trek
After breakfast we head out of town towards La Periquera. A beautiful natural reserve with 15m high waterfall followed. During the next three hours you’ll enjoy the amazing scenery and fresh air of the Colombian andes. After lunch transfer to the bus terminal for your trip back to Bogota (bus fare not included). Meals: B.
Day 7 - December 21. Bogota - Manizales
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Manizales. Upon arrival you will be transfer to your chosen finca where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us. During your time at the Coffee Triangle you’ll stay in a traditional coffee farm (finca) which features colourful, traditional balconies, mud ceiling tiles and a fresh cup coffee (tinto) always available. Meals: B.
Day 8 - December 22. Coffee Experience and Tasting
During the Cultural Coffee Experience tour you will gain a unique insight into the real lives of the coffee workers. This tour allows us to learn the fantastic and mystical history of the coffee growing culture and the colonization of Antioquia. From the coffee corps we will continue to the Joyful Harvest, where you can wear traditional outfits and harvest, pulp, dry, roast and ground your own coffee as the locals have done since colonial times. Then, after a great day at work you can sit down and enjoy a fantastic cup of the best Colombia Coffee, specially processed and made for you!.
Day 9 - December 23. Finca – Cocora Valley
At a prearranged time the expedition begins, heading to Salento and the Cocora Valley. It holds within it a colonial and historic past, as you will see as you walk amongst the unique landscapes, observing the flowing clear waters of the Quindio River, and the impressive plantations of wax palm- the national tree. Salento and in general the Coffee Triangle, has one of the richest coffee cultures and most scenic coffee crops. It has preserved its colonial architecture and the customs of the local country people. Furthermore, it’s an ideal site for hiking or horseback rides followed by a meal of exquisite trout, the prized local dish.
Day 10 - December 24. White Water Rafting - Barragan River
Today you’ll have the chance to raft down Barragan River. You’ll be picked up from your Finca and driven to Rancho California where you’ll be briefed about the details of this activity and provided with all required equipment. From there we will head to our departure point for our upcoming adventure of 8.5 ks of unique flora and fauna down the Barragan River.
Day 11 - December 25. Canopy - Enchanted Forrest
Upon arrival to Montenegro, you’ll be greeted by our experienced guides for a brief about your safety equipment, and instructionss for your ride in the air. This fabulous circuit is made up of 16 platforms with 10 lines over coffee plantations and small streams. You’ll fly over a unique nature reserve inhabited by squirrels, sloths and birds of various species, making it an exciting adventure full of adrenaline. The Canopy not only offers a great adventure but an opportunity to observe the fascinating flora of this region and wildlife in its natural habitat. On each platform the adventurers have the opportunity to observe the forest from different angles and photograph the stunning scenery.
Day 12 - December 26. Manizales - Medellin
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the bus terminal/airport for your bus/flight to Medellin through the colourful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee motorway). Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel.
Day 13 - December 27. Medellin - Free day. City Tour
A 4 hour trip, that uncovers the roots of Medellín and its most iconic symbols, such as the “Pueblito Paisa”, the Intelligent Building, the Plaza Mayor, the Administrative Center of La Alpujarra and Carabobo street. We will travel in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, and visit of the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure. Meals: B.
Day 14 - December 28. Medellin - Santa Helena - Arvi Park. Horseback ride
Home of the silleteros (flower farmers) and to one of the largest ecological parks in the region, Santa Elena offers the perfect mix of Colombian culture, natural beauty and adventurous activities, all within close proximity to Medellin. At the chosen time you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to San Elena only 52 kms away from for a 4-hour horseback ride through farms to panoramic view points. Meals: B, L (lunch box).
Day 15 - December 29. Medellin – Santa Fe de Antioquia
After breakfast we leave Medellín for Santa Fe de Antioquia municipality, declared Humanity´s Heritage. Its small cobbled streets and its beautiful houses with balconies recall the colonial period. The access road goes through a 4km tunnel and by the “Puente Colgante de Occidente”, a masterpiece of engineering from the 19 century. As an optional activity you could go horse riding in the surrounding mountains. Meals: B.
Day 16 - December 30. Medellin - Bogota
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Bogota. Upon arrival i transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for your flight back home. Meals: B.
Day 17 - December 31. Bogota - Home.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 17 days just isn´t enough time in Colombia, our tours are 100% customizable and we´d be happy to extend your stay with us. Just ask for more details. Meals: B.